Another great idea is to get into an "introduction to bike mechanics" class (I think someone else suggested this). I'm into the middle of one right now: last night and tonight, total of 7 hours. Dismounting and remounting both the front and back wheel, fixing a flat, adjusting the brakes, maintaining the chain and derailleur. Basic stuff, enough to be pretty autonomous on the road... And fun too! Also, you realize that not all guys know how to do these things (because obviously a couple of them are there too).

Plus, in Montreal, the pro-mechanics is a woman, Denise Belzile. How inspiring...

Enjoy!